St. Patrick's Day may officially be today, but the Irish Bred Pub has dedicated an entire weekend to celebrating the holiday.

The festivities will begin today and will continue through Sunday. The establishment, which touts itself as "Gainesville's first authentic Irish pub" is located at Lakeshore Mall, 150 Pearl Nix Parkway, Gainesville.

Since no party would be complete without music, pub staff have lined up a number of live, Celtic-inspired, musical tributes.

Ed Rigel will perform from 5:30 to 8:30 tonight, Tim Porterfield is performing from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Brian Sullivan and Arthur Hinds will perform from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday.

To help partygoers get in the mood to dance an Irish jig, Emerald Rose, Band X and 6 to Sunrise Band will also grace the establishment's stage this weekend.

The celebration will include traditional Irish foods like homemade shepherd's pie, corned beef and cabbage and soda bread muffins.

Patrons will also be able to get their fill of Irish libations like Guinness ale. And of course, green beer will be on tap for this homage to the Emerald Isles.

For more information about the St. Patrick's Day festival, call 770-532-0700.